Water and manufacturing study led by Marquette, A. O. Smith and U.S. Council on Competitiveness stresses need for stewardship, innovation

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September 27, 2016


MILWAUKEE — The U.S. Council on Competitiveness' latest sector study, co-led by A. O. Smith Corporation and Marquette University, reveals challenges faced by water users in the manufacturing sector, where nearly half of industry water consumption is attributed. Leverage: Water and Manufacturing found that to meet increasing water demand, innovation in infrastructure, technology, investment and talent are needed to overcome challenges resulting from urbanization and population growth.

"Water is a limited resource that plays a critical role across multiple sectors of the U.S. economy," said William Bates, Executive Vice President, U.S. Council on Competitiveness. "Thanks to the collaboration of the tremendous leadership in the Milwaukee area, we've identified key policies and actions that can bring greater efficiency and productivity to the manufacturing sector and greater opportunity for businesses and workers."

The Council, through its Energy and Manufacturing Competitiveness Partnership (EMCP), partnered with Marquette and A. O. Smith to hold the initial sector study dialogue on water & manufacturing on February 16, 2016 at Marquette. The dialogue gathered over 50 national leaders and water experts from all sectors of the economy to discuss the important issues around water and manufacturing.

"Water is a critical resource that is essential for our businesses, communities and society to thrive, and we are proud to collaborate on this roadmap for our nation," said Marquette University President Michael R. Lovell. "On this important strategic priority, many national leaders and water experts came together to focus on accelerating development and technology for all sectors of the economy."

"Manufacturers need ample, reliable supplies of fresh water if they are to compete in a global economy," said Ajita G. Rajendra, chairman and chief executive officer for A. O. Smith Corporation. "This is an issue that is gaining a great deal of attention, and this study represents a call to action, not just for manufacturers, but for all stakeholders to address the critical water needs in this country."

The conversations from the 50 national leaders and water experts formed the basis for Leverage and led to a set of recommendations that will feed into a larger EMCP paper and eventual action plan for the United States president-elect. These recommendations include:

Attendees made commitments to the solutions proposed in Leverage, including:

U.S. Council on Competitiveness

The U.S. Council on Competitiveness is a nonpartisan leadership group of CEOs, university presidents, labor leaders and national laboratory directors working to ensure U.S. prosperity.

A. O. Smith Corporation

A. O. Smith Corporation, with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis., is a global leader applying innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products.

Marquette University

Marquette University is a Catholic and Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 10 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. A Marquette education offers students a virtually unlimited number of paths and destinations and prepares them for the world by asking them to think critically about it. Along the way, we ask one thing of every student: Be The Difference.